Section 7

Let me balk your idle words; the question is of the difference between our present Bishops, and the ancient, this you will spread forth in three particulars; The first is the manner of Election, to these places of eminence; which was, of old, ordered, by the privity, consent, and approbation of the people, which you eagerly seek to prove out of Cyprian: neither can it be denied that he is full, and punctual in this point: Holy Athanasius seconds it; And the old rule was: Electio clericorum, consensus Principis, petitio plebis; that a Bishop came in by the suit of the people, the Election of the Clergy, the consent of the Prince. You might well have in this case spared the fetching in of the good Emperor Constantine: doubtless this was the manner of old; what variations followed afterward in these proceedings, our learned Doctor Field has well shown; but sure, this interest of the people continued so long, even in the Roman Church, that Platina can tell us, Gregory the seventh was elected by Cardinals, Clerks, Acolytes, Subdeacons, Priests, Abbots, Bishops, Clergy, and Laity: The inconveniences that were found in those tumultuous elections, and the seditious issue of them (which Nazianzen and Eusebius have laid before us in some particulars) were, I suppose, the cause why they were (in a sort) laid down; But an imitation of this practice, we have still continuing in our Church, wherein upon the vacancy of every See, there is a Conge-d'eslire (that is, a leave to elect) sent down from the King, to the Presbyters (namely, the Dean and Chapter of that Church) for an ensuing election of their Bishop; and, if this were yet more free, we should not like it the less: But, in the mean time, Brethren, how are you quite beside the Cushion? Where the objection was, That the Apostles' Bishops, and ours were two, in respect of managing their function; And my defense is, that our Bishops challenge not any other Spiritual power, than the Apostles delegated to Timothy and Titus, you now tell us, of the different manner of our Elections; What is this ad Rhombum? We speak of their actions, and exercise of power, you talk of others' actions to them; Were it so pleasing to his Majesty and the State, to decree it, we should be well content to submit to this ancient form of Election; the forbearance whereof, is neither our fault, nor our prejudice: so as you might well have bestowed this breath to a better purpose, and rather conclude, that notwithstanding this form of different choice, our Bishops and those of former times are not two.